One of Billings’ Oldest Commercial Buildings is For Sale

I'm a sucker for old buildings in downtown Billings Historic District.

One of the oldest commercial buildings in Billings is currently on the market. Located at 2712 Minnesota Ave, residents may recall when the two-story brick building and its neighboring buildings were home to the Western Bar and the Wheel Bar.

The Wheel was still open when I moved to Billings in the late '90s. Back then, the bar was usually one of my crew's stops on our day-drinking adventures.

One of Billings' best dive bars.

Hoity-toity bars are typically not my style. I'm much more comfortable in dark, dingy, Montana dive bars. Places with interesting characters, retro-neon signs, a pool table, cheap beers, and a jukebox at 10 am. The Wheel was one of those spots.

Note: this property does not include a liquor license. 

Three addresses on Minnesota Ave are included in the listing.

Marketed by NAI Business Properties, the properties consist of 2710, 2712, and 2174 Minnesota Ave. It's listed for $295,000. The primary structure was built in 1894, making it one of the oldest buildings in Billings.

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Minnesota Avenue was the heart of old Billings.

Historic Minnesota Avenue in Billings is a cherished remnant of the city's rich past. Established in the late 19th century, this avenue was part of Billings' original townsite and quickly became a bustling hub of activity.

From glory to despair.

Lined with red-brick buildings and Victorian-style architecture, Minnesota Avenue was home to various businesses, including hotels, saloons, and stores, serving the needs of the booming railroad town.

Eventually, Minnesota Avenue (and Montana Ave, two blocks away) turned into Billings' version of a Red Light District. Crime, prostitution, and boarded-up windows for blocks were common sights. In recent years, various renovations have revitalized portions of this historic strip.

Prediction: Minnesota Avenue is on the radar.

Sometimes progress seems to move slowly in Billings, but I suspect Minnesota Avenue will eventually become a hip little spot Downtown. Similar to the transformation of Montana Avenue. How fast this will happen is anyone's guess, but if I were playing a long game in real estate, I'd snatch this plot up and wait.

A major hotel project is slated north of the tracks near City Hall, and developers are chomping at the bit for a new high-rise just a few blocks away on 1st Ave N. Sooner or later, Minnesota Ave will be the next hotspot in Downtown Billings.

This parcel is listed by Ethan Kanning at NAI Business Properties. Find more photos and complete details HERE.